In Good Faith With Philip DeFranco

Episode: Scott Galloway Wants Men To Grow Up
Release Date: November 13, 2025
Guests: Scott Galloway (academic, author, entrepreneur, podcast host)
Main Theme: Exploring modern masculinity, Galloway's new book "Notes on Being a Man," and the evolving societal roles and struggles of men today.

Episode Overview

Philip DeFranco sits down with Scott Galloway to dive into the polarizing discourse on masculinity, inspired by Galloway's book "Notes on Being a Man." The conversation covers criticism from both ends of the political spectrum, societal trends affecting young men, the impact of money on identity, work-life balance, and raising boys in today’s world. Galloway also shares personal anecdotes about his upbringing, fatherhood, and how his own insecurities have shaped his worldview.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Polarization of Masculinity

• Galloway’s Book as a Flashpoint (03:40 – 09:00):
  DeFranco notes that "Notes on Being a Man" has drawn both praise and fire from all political sides—Galloway is called “a misogynist” on the left and “a centrist Andrew Tate” or “woke” on the right.

  “From the far right, I’m a libtard. From the far left, I’m a misogynist... if you don’t get some feedback or some pushback, you’re not saying anything.” — Scott Galloway (04:09)

• Role of Media Algorithms:
  Galloway argues algorithms push us toward more extreme versions of ourselves and notes the seemingly deep division is partly manufactured by profit-driven tech giants.

  “We have the most profitable, deep-pocketed companies in the world trying to divide us.” — Scott Galloway (06:55)

• Positioning Against Extremes:
  The "manosphere" started with decent ideas (“be action oriented, be fit, take responsibility”), but quickly devolves into misogyny. Galloway’s criticism of both extremes:

  “The far right’s solution is to take women and non-whites back to the ‘50s... The far left believes that young men don’t have problems, they are the problem... I don’t think that’s helpful either.” — Scott Galloway (08:45)

2. Young Men & The Need for a Modern Code

• Why Write the Book? (08:45 – 09:10):
  Galloway believes young men lack connection to traditional codes (religion, military, family, strong workplaces). Masculinity, framed positively, can serve as that code.

• Male Disadvantage (Educational, Romantic, Economic):

  “No group has fallen further faster than young men... Empathy’s not a zero-sum game. Recognizing the real challenges that young men face doesn’t set other groups back.” — Scott Galloway (10:48)

3. Money, Insecurity, and Masculine Purpose

• Personal Trauma About Money (15:00 – 20:20):
  Galloway candidly admits his obsession with making money stems from growing up poor and the insecurity that came with that:

  “I felt as if looking back on it, there was a ghost following me and my mom around, just constantly whispering… you’re not worthy. You and your mom screwed up because there’s constant reminders when you don’t have money.” — Scott Galloway (15:36)

• Masculinity as Provider:
  The expectation to provide is, in Galloway’s view, still central to the male identity (“Men are disproportionately evaluated... based on their economic viability”).

4. Work-Life Balance & Regret

• Sacrifices for Security (20:20 – 28:41):
  In pursuing wealth, Galloway lost time with his young children—a tradeoff he’d partially reverse if given foresight but says was necessary for his circumstances:

  “You can have it all, you just can’t have it all at once... if I could take 70% of my wealth now and have another five years with my kids... I would give up a substantial share of my net worth.” — Scott Galloway (28:41)

• Parenting Wisdom:
  He emphasizes “garbage time”—seizing any moment with kids, as deep conversations often come unexpectedly.

5. Raising Empathetic, Grounded Kids

• Teaching Grit and Perspective (47:57 – 53:18):
  Both DeFranco and Galloway reflect on the challenge of giving their children the drive that comes from hardship, despite now having resources.

  “If I had what my kids have, I wouldn’t have what I have... I think I’d have a Range Rover and a cocaine habit if I’d been born with the money my kids have.” — Scott Galloway (52:24)

• Role Modeling Relationships:

  “Treat their mother really well. I think it’s going to help their relationship with women.” — Scott Galloway (55:17)

6. Romantic and Social Dynamics

• Men, Relationships & Utility Critique (37:32 – 43:52):
  Responding to claims his book treats women as tools to fix men:

  “No group is responsible for servicing another group... It’s up to men to level up.” — Scott Galloway (38:22)
  Galloway reaffirms research that men do, in fact, benefit more from relationships, tend to struggle more with romantic loneliness, and therefore need to actively create and maintain bonds.

• Courtship Norms:
  Galloway defends the idea that men should pay on (initial) dates, seeing it as a sign of recognizing asymmetric value and courting responsibility:

  “If you ever want to kiss a girl... split the check. I don’t care what anyone says, you’re never going to be physical with someone you split the check with.” — Scott Galloway (42:02)

7. The Three Pillars of Masculinity

(Final Summary at 70:44)

Galloway’s “three legs of the stool” for masculine code:

1. Provider – Assume economic responsibility.
2. Protector – Use your strength and position to safeguard others.
3. Procreator – Acknowledge the value of pursuing intimate relationships, which spurs self-improvement and resilience.

• The Litmus Test: Surplus Value
  True adulthood/manhood is reached when you give more than you take:

  “Don’t make the mistake I made... thinking all relationships are a transaction. The whole point is to absorb more complaints than you’re giving, create more value than you absorb, protect more people than you need protection.” — Scott Galloway (71:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Criticism and Speaking Out:

  “If you have economic security and people who love you unconditionally, you have an obligation to speak your mind.” — Scott Galloway (05:27)

• On Present Parenting:

  “The pace of time accelerates so dramatically as you get older and you feel like, oh my gosh, this is slipping through my hands.” — Scott Galloway (26:44)

• On Gendered Dating Norms:

  “Men need to demonstrate strength to be attractive... one way you signal your recognition of the value of her time is you pay.” — Scott Galloway (43:37)

• On Maintaining Humility:

  “I have a bias against rich kids. I just, I find out someone has rich parents and I just don’t give them the benefit of the doubt... sympathy for people without money, but you don’t really know what it’s like unless you grow up without money.” — Scott Galloway (47:57)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:43: DeFranco introduces Galloway and book’s controversy.
• 04:09 – 09:10: Galloway on criticism, media, need for a code.
• 15:00 – 20:20: Money trauma, “provider” pillar, masculinity.
• 20:20 – 28:41: Fatherhood, regrets, work-life tradeoffs.
• 28:41 – 34:42: Parenting style, “garbage time,” cultural regrets.
• 37:32 – 43:52: Relationships, courtship, dating norms debate.
• 47:57 – 53:18: Class, privilege, raising appreciative kids.
• 55:17 – 57:53: Role modeling, partnership, de-centering self.
• 70:44: Final take: The three pillars and surplus value.

Tone & Style

• The conversation is honest, reflective, occasionally self-deprecating, and pragmatic.
• Both Galloway and DeFranco frequently blend anecdote with data and use a conversational tone peppered with humor and candor.

Conclusion

This episode of "In Good Faith" provides a comprehensive, self-aware look at the modern male experience and the challenges of growing up—as a man, as a provider, and as a parent—in today's world. Galloway’s willingness to admit faults, confront uncomfortable truths, and call for positive codes of conduct stands out in a polarized conversation. Both he and DeFranco end with practical advice and humility, offering value for listeners from all backgrounds.

Recommended for:
Anyone interested in the debate over masculinity, social changes affecting young men, the intersection of ambition and parenting, and those looking for grounded advice on navigating manhood in the modern world.